Red Flag Warning For The San Joaquin Valley

Published May 18, 2026 5:50 am

US Army Corps of Engineers Photo

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the entire San Joaquin Valley until 8 PM tonight.

North winds ranging from twenty to thirty mph will continue today. The gusts will range from thirty-five to forty-five mph.

The minimum humidities will range between seven to fifteen percent.

The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity. The highest threat is grass fires. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Meanwhile, in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Highway 108 Sonora Pass is open with no restrictions. Additionally, Highway 120 Tioga Pass is also open with no restrictions. Highway 4 Ebbetts Pass and Highway 88 Carson Pass are also both open with no restrictions.